Microsoft's Chromecast competitor is pretty awesome for on-the-go screencasting
Media Streamers
I'm Iyaz Akhtar with cnet and this is the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
The device does exactly what its name says.
It lets you to connect a [UNKNOWN] enabled machine to a TV projector or monitor wirelessly.
There's not much to the actual device.
Pop off the cap and you find an HDMI connector.
On the other end is a USB cable that's used to power the device.
Microsoft chose not to include a USB plug for some reason but a lot of modern TVs or monitors have powered USB ports so this shouldn't be a problem.
The wireless display adapter doesn't do much by itself.
It just waits for you to connect a Windows 8.1 machine or a compatible Android device.
If your Windows 8.1 Tablet is up to date you send your tablet's screen to a TV by going to devices, then project, then add a wireless display.
The adaptor uses Miracast which means you don't have to have the adapter on the same network as your tablet.
The adaptor and tablet can see each other directly which is great if you're traveling with the device.
Performance was very good with a tiny bit of lag.
The wireless display adapter isn't meant for gaming, but for sharing video or showing a presentation.
The adapter can also allow you to extend your desktop, but then you're going to need a track pad or a mouse to put Windows on that second screen.
And if you're looking at the Microsoft wireless display adapter as a home theater device.
You're probably better off with a Roku device that runs its own apps or the cheaper Google Chromecast.
However, if you're looking for a device that compliments your Windows 8.1 or Android device for travel or presentations.
The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter could be for you.
I'm [UNKNOWN] and this has been the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter
